Residential technology distributor AWE will be opening its doors on 18-20 November and inviting installers, manufacturers and the media to experience its new cinema room, as well as getting an update on company developments and products.
“The AWE Expo is always a popular event and we are pleased to be hosting a second one of 2014,” said Stuart Tickle, managing director of AWE. “The event provides us with the opportunity to have more in-depth conversations with our dealers and demonstration a range of new products. The last Expo was the official opening of Alexander House and the show apartment.”
This is the first opportunity for visitors to see AWE’s new cinema room. “Some of you will have noticed that there was one door which you weren’t allowed to open,” added Tickle. “The time has now come for you to step through and experience what we have been building.”
Thanks to Denon and KEF, the cinema room boasts a Dolby Atmos surround set-up that promises “exceptional” audio quality, a more affordable price point than some industry demos.
The Denon AVR-X5200W AV receiver has been specified at the heart of a 7.5.4 Dolby Atmos layout, powering KEF CI R series speakers. That is a seven-channel basic configuration, with five matching inwall active subwoofers and four in-ceiling speakers. The AWE team has also fitted Philips Dynalite LED lighting control, URC Total Control, as well as a projector and screen (details to be revealed).
“The show apartment has attracted an ever-increasing number of installers, and many fit home cinemas, so we wanted to provide a space where they can bring their clients to demonstrate what can be achieved,” commented Tickle. “We have paid close attention to the specification of typical set-ups and the room reflects this perfectly, albeit evolved to incorporate the latest sound format.”
The AWE Expo also marks the launch of AWE’s exclusive distribution into the install channel of wireless multi-room sound system HEOS by Denon. AWE will be supporting this major new product line from Denon with distribution, technical support and training services. HEOS comprises three active speaker options – HEOS 3, HEOS 5 and HEOS 7 – the HEOS Link for adding a HEOS zone to an existing amplifier system, and the HEOS Amp which provides any set of stereo speakers with the same system capabilities.
Unlike other multi-room audio solutions on the market, HEOS works off a home’s network using dual-band 5GHz 802.11n for the best possible connection. This means that wired and wireless units can be integrated within the same system, unlike products that utilise a dedicated wireless mesh network. An optional HEOS Extender wireless bridge is also available to extend a home’s wireless network where required.
Set-up and control is completed via the dedicated HEOS App, allowing an installer to complete the designation of zones quickly and easily. HEOS supports Spotify, Deezer, Napster and Tuneln, or content on any networked PC and can direct these sources to multiple or individual zones.
To register for the Expo, email [email protected], call +44 (0)1372 729777, or visit the company’s website.
